Field Trips

Field Trips

The Guadalupe River Park & Gardens is an education destination like no other. A natural oasis located in the heart of downtown San Jose, the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens (GRPG) features 254 acres of park that include the Heritage Rose Garden, the Historic Orchard, a community garden, and 2.6 miles of trail that runs adjacent to the Guadalupe River. The GRPG is a natural outdoor laboratory for science experiments, a creative and dynamic atmosphere for learning, and a perfect destination for field trips!

Field trips cost $345 for up to 40 students and $10 for each additional student in excess of 40. Program and transportation scholarships are available to Title 1 schools as well as groups of people with special needs. All groups must provide at least one engaged, adult chaperone for every 10 students on the trip; the specific chaperone ratio for field trips for people with special needs will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Participants will be divided evenly into small groups that will rotate through exciting, hands-on activity stations!

Garden Field Trips

Garden Field Trips focus on the learning opportunities provided by our Historic Orchard and Heritage Rose Garden. Every Garden Field Trip includes tours of the Historic Orchard and Heritage Rose Garden along with grade-specific activities designed to incorporate Next Generation Science Standards. Some examples of grade-specific activities include rose dissection, a simulated archaeological dig of the local area, and creating personalized fruit labels while learning about food preservation.

River Field Trips

River Field Trips encourage a deeper understanding of the riparian corridor through the exploration of the Guadalupe River and Trail. Every River Field Trip includes a Nature Walk along the Guadalupe River Trail and an experiment on the the banks of the Guadalupe River along with grade-specific activities designed to incorporate Next Generation Science Standards. Some examples of grade-specific activities include salinity testing, an obstacle course that mimics the treacherous path of a salmon returning to its home river, and a game that helps demonstrate why birds have differently-shaped beaks.

A note about river field trips: In order to protect eggs laid by anadromous species, groups will not be able to enter the river from December 1 – August 30. An activity on the banks of the Guadalupe River will be substituted during this time.

If your class is from a Title I school or special needs group, you may qualify for a scholarship!

Testimonials

“I would certainly recommend GRPC to anyone that asks where to take their children. My staff and the children really enjoyed learning about the birds and animals that live in the area. My personal experience with my son who is 4 tells me all the time about nests and birds that he sees. Thank you!”

Animals In and Out (Pre-school group),

“We liked everything! We liked the variety – having four different, yet related sessions – with lots of hands-on and interaction. We definitely would recommend this field trip!”

Flower Power

“The staff interactions were genuine with out students. We liked how there were visuals and headphones in the restrooms. The entire concept of the field trip was great for our students. All staff were professional and truly cared about our students and their program.”

River Explorers (Special Needs)

“Thank you very much for the wonderful field trip ‘Hooked on Chinooks!’ we attended the field trip back in April, and by the end of the school year my 5th graders were still raving about it. Most of my class chose it as their favorite field trip of the year. Your staff was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. I look forward to taking my next class!”

Hooked on Chinooks

“Many of our students are second language learners. A field trip provides them a hands-on real world situation that brings the curriculum to life. They internalize and retain the language and concepts at a much deeper level. When we return to school, the pictures, work they have completed and memories stay with them and aide in written work reinforcing standard concepts and language. The impact is immeasurable in many ways, but the growth I see as a teacher lends itself to HUGE growth!”Flower Power, 2nd Grade Teacher

“Our 1st graders truly enjoyed your program last year. We, the teachers, were very impressed with the planned activities for them. It was FUN! We hope to be able to experience it again w/ our incoming first graders this year. Thanks!”River Sleuths 2012

“My class made two trips to you – one for the Pollination Experience and one for the River Explorer. These were the best field trips my class has ever taken. I’d love to get us back up there again. Because my students are disadvantaged in addition to being disabled, they lack so many experiences that normal children get to explore. I try very hard to teach my students to become nature explorers, observers and lovers. Thanks again!!”
Special Needs Class